​Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spotlighted Evan Phillips, who has just returned to the mound after a full year sidelined. Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2025, following only a handful of starts after his initial return from shoulder surgery. The right-hander has endured two major injuries in a relatively short span, and Los Angeles has been deliberate with his progression, gradually increasing his workload. He began with a careful buildup in Arizona, then added more bullpen sessions before heading out on assignment.
In Triple-A action, Phillips appeared in 12 games and posted a 1.80 ERA over 10 innings. His biggest test came when he pitched on consecutive days for Oklahoma City on June 24 and June 25, and he answered the challenge well. On April 20, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, Phillips, wearing number 59, was seen exiting the field as the Dodgers faced the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. As he moved forward, Phillips noticed improvements in his recovery and began taking on more duties.
“Feels like the last couple of weeks really took a good turn in my rehab,” Phillips said. “I started bouncing back, pitching more like myself, feeling more like myself.”
To create space on the active roster, the Dodgers optioned infielder Paul Gervase to the minor leagues. In his first major league appearance in more than a year, Phillips delivered two strikeouts, allowed one hit, and did not issue a walk or give up a run across his first inning. His fastball averaged 97 mph, a solid velocity for him, and his signature breaking ball, the sweeper, was equally effective.
The Dodgers initially saw the tone of the game tilt unfavorably, as they relinquished the lead in the inning just before Phillips rejoined the mound. Yet Roberts found a bright note in the night’s otherwise tough turn of events. “He was sharp. The command was great. 97 to 99, I think. The sweeper was sharp. To punch Moniak there with a backdoor sweeper was pretty impressive,” Roberts said.
Roberts emphasized the larger takeaway: a true silver lining amid a painful defeat. “Really happy for Evan. As frustrating as this loss is tonight, that’s really a silver lining. He had a long road with the Tommy John, so really happy for him.”
For Dodgers fans, the news is encouraging. They’re getting back a pitcher who, at his peak, can handle high-leverage moments and potentially contend for saves even after Edwin Díaz returns. Phillips’ return provides a tangible boost to a bullpen that has needed a reliable late-inning option, and it offers hope that the Dodgers can blend patience with performance as he continues to rebuild his form.